The 3 Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases: Explained in Simple Terms

Personal injury cases happen when someone gets hurt because of another person’s actions or negligence. These cases allow the injured person to seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of personal injury cases and what they mean in everyday situations.

1. Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury claims. When someone is injured in a car crash, it’s often because another driver was careless—speeding, distracted, or not following the rules of the road.

Example: Sarah was driving through an intersection when another driver ran a red light and hit her car. She suffered a broken leg and had to miss work for several weeks. Sarah filed a personal injury claim to cover her medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

2. Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents occur when someone is injured on another person’s property due to unsafe conditions, like a wet floor, broken steps, or icy sidewalks. Property owners are responsible for keeping their premises safe.

Example: Mike was walking into a grocery store when he slipped on a puddle of water that hadn’t been cleaned up. He hurt his back in the fall and needed physical therapy. Mike filed a claim against the store to cover his medical costs and the time he missed from work.

3. Dog Bites

Dog owners can be held liable if their pet bites someone, especially if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. Dog bite cases often involve children or people who are unfamiliar with the dog.

Example: While playing in the park, a dog bit 6-year-old Lucas, leaving him with injuries that required stitches. Lucas’s parents filed a claim against the dog owner to cover the medical bills and emotional trauma caused by the incident.

Personal injury cases come in many forms, but they all have one thing in common: someone was hurt due to another person’s negligence or actions. Whether it’s a car accident, slip and fall, or dog bite, the law allows injured individuals to seek compensation for their injuries and losses.

If you’ve been hurt in an accident, it’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer, like Zaber Law, to understand your rights and options.